Re: [Paddlewise] Epoxy Sealcoat Thickness?

From: Gabriel L Romeu <romeug_at_erols.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 00:34:31 -0800
Aaron Cunningham wrote:
The other half of the process is using the SystemThree
> Epoxy Trial Kit to familirize myself with epoxy and fiberglass...

I use a system that has the reputation of being thinner than
SystemThree, West, etc.  this is not a critique of of these other
systems, they have an excellent reputation but it may effect my
results...
> 
>         I started by trying a sealcoat on some spare laminated pine I had around
> the garage.  

I have used okume, ash, cedar and oak which also may be a factor...
> 
>         All of this begs the question of how thick should this coat really be?  

but my first coat soaks into the wood and has no apparent thickness.

 If
> I pour it on in an S-shape and use a squeegee to spread it, how should I
> manipulate it?  Spreading it about with the squeegee at about a 45 angle to
> move the epoxy around, then at close to 90 to take off the excess?  Should
> the fill coat just fill the pores, or should it be a thin "glossy" coat over
> everything?

I usually foam roller or foam brush it on.  It is critical that you
figure out how to get a thin layer if you are thinking about applying
fiberglass- it will float on thick spots.

There are some benzene based thinners and I have heard something about
acetone, but I would try two things first- make sure that the surface
you are epoxing is prewarmed- around 80 is ideal.  Make sure, especially
on the first coat, the temperature drops after application.  the wood
will absorb the epoxy as it cools.  If you warm after application, the
wood will release gases leaving a bad finish. 

I find temperature is the most critical factor in epoxy control.  This
also pertains to premature hardening using a deep container.

best of luck, gabriel
> 



-- 
Gabriel L Romeu
http://studiofurniture.com  furniture, mixed media
http://members.xoom.com/gabrielR a daily observation, photograph ± text
http://studiofurniture.com/paint  paintings, etchings, photographs and
objects
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Received on Mon Feb 12 2001 - 21:37:35 PST

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